New F series: Isuzu launches idle-stop engine system

Isuzu is fitting an idle-stop system to its trucks for the first time in Australia

 

The advantages of smaller truck engines include lower weight and therefore lower cost to build, and less fuel use.

Isuzu’s new four cylinder 4HK1 uses less fuel again because for the first time in an Isuzu in Australia, trucks powered by it will have the idle-stop system (ISS).

In other words when idling at a set of lights, in heavy traffic or during a pickup/delivery, the engine will cut out but quickly fire up again once you put your foot on the accelerator. There is ISS for both manual and auto transmissions.

Research by Isuzu in Australia has come up with an amazing justification for ISS, showing that a sample of medium-duty trucks spent literally half their time idling.

Isuzu says Japanese figures show a 7 per cent overall fuel saving in the new 4HK1 compared with previous four cylinder engines. Australian fuel trials will start soon.

But while fuel consumption might be “crowned king” as Isuzu puts it, what about the longevity of an engine that’s working harder for similar outputs to a bigger bore? Over a brief rev range the 4HK1 actually puts out slightly more torque than the six cylinder alternative, the 6HK1.

Isuzu acknowledges that the average 4HK1 probably won’t last as long as the six cylinder option before it needs a rebuild –, mind you at a minimum of well over 500,000km.

But the company says the vast majority of trucks will take 10 or even 15 years to clock up that many kilometres and by then will probably be onto their third or fourth owner.

Isuzu says there are several advantages of the four cylinder engine including less fuel use; at least 130kg less weight; higher payload; longer body and lower purchase price.

 

 

 

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